In a tragic incident, a mountain lion attacked two brothers who were hunting for shed antlers in a remote area of Northern California's foothills. The attack occurred near Georgetown in El Dorado County on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old man and leaving his 18-year-old brother injured.

According to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, the younger brother made a distress call to the sheriff's office around 1:15 p.m., reporting the mountain lion attack and his separation from his brother. Deputies arrived at the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. to find the 18-year-old brother with severe facial injuries. Immediate aid was provided to him while other deputies searched for the missing brother.

Tragically, deputies discovered the missing brother lying on the ground with the mountain lion crouched over him. To protect the victim, deputies fired their service weapons, causing the mountain lion to retreat and sit between them and the victim. Once the mountain lion fled, deputies rushed to the older brother, only to find him already deceased.

Authorities from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with the El Dorado County Trapper, responded swiftly to the area and located the mountain lion. Regrettably, due to the severity of the incident, it was deemed necessary to euthanize the big cat.

At present, the victims have not been publicly identified, and there is no immediate update on the condition of the 18-year-old brother. This incident marks yet another tragic encounter between humans and mountain lions. According to a documented list maintained by the fish and wildlife department, there have been nearly two dozen reported mountain lion attacks on humans since the mid-80s.

Authorities and wildlife experts continue to emphasize the importance of taking appropriate precautions while visiting areas inhabited by wild animals. As investigations into this shocking incident continue, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time.